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Jesus' words are not meant to swell our heads or increase our pride. Instead, they remind us how much we should appreciate the benefits of God's grace and the receiving of his promises, even as we share in the realization of this new era of salvation history.

Darrell Bock is research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Copyright © 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Earlier Good Question columns include:

Is religious art, like Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam,' a violation of the second commandment when God is portrayed?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Celebration" states that sincere worshipers of other religions will not be saved—does that also refer to Moses and other Old Testament faithful?

Christ commanded us not to judge others, but aren't there times when common sense or prudence requires it?

Why should church buildings get so much of the financial, physical, and social attention that is rightly due to the needs of Christians and others?

Where is heaven, and how will we experience it before the final resurrection?

Can I forgive those who have betrayed me if they are not repentant?

Are all sins weighed equally, or is one more important than another?

Why is the church against euthanasia in instances where people are in terrible pain?

What harm is there in achieving a higher state of consciousness through meditation?

Will we be vegetarians in the new heaven and earth as Adam and Eve were before the Fall?

Why doesn't God cure everyone who prays fervently for healing?

Does God need our help, love, and praise?

Are some people lost "just a little bit" in the same way that others are saved "only as through fire"?

Is Jesus Incarnate Forever?

What does Genesis mean by man being made in the image of God?

What's the difference between Christ's kingdom and paradise?

Is every believer guaranteed at least one spiritual gift?

What role does baptism play in faith and salvation?

How is it that not all prayers for the salvation of others are answered?

If God is in us, shouldn't it be easier to love one another?

What do we gain from a bodily resurrection?

What is the difference between the brain and the soul?

How can I reconcile my belief in the inerrancy of Scripture with comments in Bible translations that state that a particular verse is not 'in better manuscripts'?

Is there a biblical principle behind the punishment of those who break the law?

Is it unscriptural for a Christian to be cremated?

Won't heaven's joy be spoiled by our awareness of unsaved loved ones in hell?

Where exactly do "Oneness" Pentecostals stand in relation to orthodoxy?

Do a man and a woman become married after having sex or after exchanging vows?

How Do You Know That You Have Truly Forgiven Someone?

Who Are We to Judge?

Should We File Lawsuits?

Can We Expect God to Forgive Unbelievers Who 'Don't Know What They're Doing'?

Is the Stock Market Good Stewardship?

Is Satan Omnipresent?

Is Suicide Unforgivable?

Was Slavery God's Will?

A Little Wine for the Soul?

Should We All Speak in Tongues?

Did Jesus Really Descend to Hell?

Take, Eat—But How Often?

Is Christmas Pagan?

Are Christians Required to Tithe?

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June 2006, Vol. 50, No. 6